The Great Dining Room Table Debate

Ok so maybe its not really so great - its just an internal argument I've been having with myself for 5 years running.

I'm cheap and shelling out for a new, proper piece of furniture kind of kills me. There is so many great thrifted, salvaged and DIY pieces that its hard to lay out a lot for something I don't strictly 'need'. But this issue has been going on since we moved in so I think it might call for drastic action - a retail purchase!

the original table

If you have been a reader for a long while, you know that we used the table we found in the house (the only piece of furniture left behind simply because it was too big to remove without taking it apart). Despite its poor condition I really liked this table but it was too small to seat more than 6 people and caused a bit of an issue for holiday dinners. (Turns out getting seated at the secondary table is some kind of old world insult.) We always knew we needed a bigger table but I didn't want to plunk down the dough for a proper one at the time.

there she blows

Then on a random lunch hour trip to a NYC thrift store where I found this bad girl for a few hundred bucks. The condition wasn't great nor was it's pedigree but I really loved the shape and it was biggger! Hooray. It suited us fine for up to 8 people, 10 if we squeezed uncomfortably together. And that has held us for the past few years. But the very same shape I love also precludes me from slapping a folding table at the end of it so adding more seating space is nearly impossible.

thrifted curvy table in action

Due to some lovely additions to our holiday crew over the past few years, we will need at least 12 seats going forward. Christmas is a BIG DEAL to me and I love having everyone at the same table enjoying a meal.

Ok enough detail for you? So it may be high time that I shell out for a real table that has the right amount of seats. I have loved this rough wood trestle from Restoration Hardware since its come out. But ouch on the price tag!

So what do you think? Should I splurge on it or do I find a cheaper alternative? Any other suggestions?I want something pretty that will age well (Im not the kind of person that will put a pad on my dining room table!). It has to seat at least 12 with an extension but collapse to a 6 or 8 seater the rest of the time.

119 comments:

I say you look around at antique spots first but after a few months, if you haven't found something you love as much as the RH one, go for it- a dining table is an important piece and worth the splurge:)

I always feel that reviving something vintage not only adds immeasurable charm but it is much more cost effective. The RH table is gorgeous but I'd look around for a bit for something with legit aged charm.

I hate to see you spend so much on a table when you are right there are great vintage ones to be found. However, if you have your heart set on a new one, have you looked into Arhaus Furniture. We have one in Rochester not far from me and I saw that they have a location in Manhattan. It might be worth the look.

We ventured to Amish country in Lancaster, PA last summer looking for dining room furniture... found some great mission/shaker style stuff of course, at 1/3 the cost of local furniture showrooms. We even got customizations to their basic designs at no extra cost and could pick whatever size table we wanted ... our table expands easily to fit 12! It's not the same style as the RH table, but could see if they might be able to replicate or copy the table you like? (We got our furniture from Fishers: http://www.fishersqualityfurniture.com/)

Hello! I'm not sure if I've ever commented on your blog, but I wanted to share a website with you that makes beautiful custom tables at fantastic prices. They are in Virginia but I believe they deliver up and down the East Coast. My mom recently got a table from them and it's gorgeous! They can customize for you with stain, leaves, distressing, etc. And I think it will come in at least $1000 cheaper than the RH one. By the way, I have no affiliation with this company - I just wanted to share a nice company that has nice products. Good luck!

The RH table is awesome and I totally get the internal debate on this. I find myself doing much the same when considering new furnishings in our home (If I can get around a big purchase, I will!). Furniture pedigree (while completely appreciated) is not a deal breaker for me. Have you considered having a replica table made? You could get a similar table custom created for a fraction of the cost. Our local flea typically has a few vendors that specialize in replica furniture and I've also found them on Craigslist and the like.

I say do it, make the purchase. Thrifty finds are great so long as they fit your needs but as your needs start to become more specific, it can be pretty hard (too hard?) to try to find a salvageable piece that qualifies.

I used to love RH but noticed their quality has decreased dramatically. I was extremely disappointed with a furniture purchase a few months ago so much so that I returned everything and decided never to order from them again. There is a place in Red Bank, NJ called British Cottage that makes beautiful furniture. A lot of their pieces are Restoration Hardware like. http://www.britishcottage.com/ Have you thought of going the reclaimed wood route? http://www.brooklynfarmtable.com/

you need to come to Scott's antique mart in Atlanta one weekend! it is the second weekend of every month. there are TONS Of vendors there that could make you a table like this for way cheaper! and i think lots of vendors send stuff up to NYC all the time on trucks.

Get the RH table. Just make sure you wait for one of their coupon codes -- several times each year they have either "save $100 for every $500 you spend" or "save 20%." Don't pay full price. (Oh, and this is totally obvious, but double-check that it will fit through your doors/halls/stairway before you order.)

You should try looking for estate sales/auctions. I am going to one at the end of them month and am hoping to score a longer dining table myself. Most estate sales will put up photos of what they're selling beforehand...

We suffered from trying to find a table long enough for our 1912 Craftsman that wasn't too suburban and frilly and ended up getting one from Crate & Barrel - the Basque. It's 104" and seats 10 comfortable and is deep enough to squeeze two on each end when we need to and get 12-14 if we want to. The only issue now? Finding table cloths to fit!

I'm pretty envious you can even consider RH at all. As much as I love their stuff, the prices are still in the never-gonna-happen category for me.

But, here are my thoughts: you've tried the inexpensive route twice, and over several years you've made it work. But a dining room table is a sentimental piece as the center of family dinner memories, and as you said, it really matters a lot to you. In this situation, a splurgey statement piece is 100% appropriate.

The RH table will definitely be an investment, but given how much you have saved repurposing other pieces in your home, and the fact that you will have this table FOREVER really justifies the purchase. From a design perspective I recently saw a dining room where two tables were put together end to end, to make a longer table, which I really thought was brilliant. I know you entertain a lot and have the ability to divide and conquer (versus one table with extensions), when you are not using your dining space could be a good option too.

I bought this dining room table on a trip to Michigan (I know...that doesn't really help!). http://www.artvan.com/Furniture/Store/Product_Trestle-Table_10051_10052_-1_250032115_25003_25000?Col=YIt was a pain getting it home, but we only had a couple hours to drive and it's totally been worth it. It has two leaves which makes it huge. We've had at least 20 people seated around using smaller chairs. My vote is to just splurge on the RH table if you don't find anything else that suits your needs. It's something you'll have for a very long time. I'm sure that every dinner you have at it, you'll be thinking about how great it is to accommodate everyone. You'll never look back and regret spending that money.

The rough reclaimed/drift wood finish is trendy and the table will go out of style sooner than you think. As it’s such a large piece you don't want to get sick of looking at it after a couple of years-reclaimed wood great for small pieces, not so great for investment pieces. Try having a table built (find a great carpenter in NJ) in a real wood finish, and customised to your specs. My other work around, which I use to sit 18 ppl. during the Holidays-keep the table you have, purchase a 6” folding project table, have a piece of plywood cut to match the width of your existing table, with extra room for overhang, apply industrial strength Velcro to the plywood and the project table. Place plywood on top of project table making sure the Velcro is all lined up and adhered to properly. Cover plywood with beautiful table top linens and now you can seat a whole lotta family. The table can also be used outside when entertaining lrg. gatherings on your patio. Total cost for Velcro and plywood about $30.

Have you looked at World Market? The Arcadia and Provence are similar in style, and Arcadia is expandable... both are well under $1,000! Good luck! I'm sure you'll find something you love, for a price you don't hate! :)

Either thrift something you love that is an even shape, and a single colored top, Then chop it in half and make your own extensions! Or just chop the existing table in half and have a furniture maker biuild 2 extensions to add to the middle. This woulod cost less than having them build a while table because it would be less wood. Most of the cost would be paying for the extensions to be finished in away that blends with the rest of the table. I have seen this done before (on other blogs I believe). You can buy the sliding mechanism and everything!

Have you tried one of their outlets? We bought our dining set and one of the bedroom sets from the RH outlet in Vacaville CA when we lived in SF. I got to know the manager and he would make a list of items people were looking for and would call them when they came in. One of my Camden dressers had a small imperfection on top but in the right spot for a small vase to sit. Saved well over $1000 on the dining items alone. It may be worth looking into. They have outlets on eastern Long Island and PA.

Have you tried finding an unfinished furniture place? We've got one near us and I love them. We were able to pick the table top and base to get exactly what we had in mind, which I had not been able to find retail. Also, you can pick your own finish and have them do it or finish it yourself to save some money. We've purchased several pieces. Here is the one as an example http://www.wood-n-choices.com/product-profile.php?type=room&Room_ID=2&ID=2681 I don't live in NYC but I imagine there would be something similar in the area.

If I really think I will have it for a long time, then I'd splurge on a table. I just know I bought my dining room set about 10 years ago and it is no longer my style, but I can't bring myself to spend more money to replace it. Sometimes it is hard to know what will stand the test of time. We did splurge for us on a bedroom set and 8 years later I still love it.

while it is a cool table, I'd show the photos to a good handyman or cabinet maker and they could build it for less (& probably better quality).You can find table pedestals places like OsborneWood.com or VanDykes.com

I have the same dilemma as well. I love that table but I think I am going to with a less expensive version. I find these too close to pay the big bucks. http://www.frenchcountryfurnituredirect.com/french-country-dining-tables.aspx

I have a round dining table from the same RH line. I like it a lot, but I don't think it really goes with your decor. Too rustic. It's also not the most user-friendly table: it absorbs spills, like wine, and even water spills can leave a ring after they dry.

We have one of these RH tables and love it. At first I could see marks on it from glasses, etc., but as we've used it more, they have all faded and disappeared. the table has developed a nice patina and evened out a lot. I say go for it!

I commented earlier with links to pedestals - this site has a wonderful show & tell series of posts about making a very similar tabletop with extensions - http://tommyandellie.com/index.php/favorite-posts/

I live in Cincinnati. We have a store called Home Emporium. It's owned by Southeastern Salvage. right now they have quite a few RH knock-offs. I asked someone and they said that the stuff was made in the same factories but just without their labels. they have those tables. if you google Home Emporium you can click on their print ads and see them. they come in the different sizes and are < $1000. Their tufted sofas and chairs in linen and leather look no different. and the x-back French cafe chairs come in three colors and are about $75/ea. I love those in the weathered finish. Might be worth a road trip or a call to see if they ship. I'd be afaid to spend $3500+ as I might get tired of it and want something different in a few years. Just my opinion.

You might want to think through those chunky legs on the RH table. Looks to me like you might have 4 people at your table who might be very uncomfortable while eating, especially if they're wearing a dress.

Both the previous tables were so gorgeous. You have great taste! I have a very similar table that I bought a Restoration Hardware as well. It does not have leaves, but it is nice & long. It is very heavy & it has held up VERY well. {I'm not the table pad type either}. I'm not as crazy about the new wood finishes R.H. is doing, but their quality is great. Go for it!

You have waited so long I think you should buy what you see and like especially since you will now get a lot of use out of it. We bought our solid dining table about 10 years ago from Ethan Allen and used it infrequently. The table top has a gorgeous marquetry pattern although the legs are heavy and not my style - husband's choice. We are using it more often now for less formal events. It seats 8 but with 2 leaves I have had 12 seated. RH pieces are fabulous.

I had your same dilema. I loved that exact table. One day I found a replica from a local design store (Osmond Designs) It was at least half the price and it easily seats 12. I bought my chairs from Costco. They are sooo NOT Costco style that I couldn't believe it when I found them. Great price too. Go to my blog is you want to see. http://www.kimborup.blogspot.com/2012/02/new-dining-chairs.html

If you love that table, you should do it girl. You will not even remember that money spent down the road but it will make you feel good to have what you want. Plus, with it being so visible from your kitchen, it needs to be what you want.

Love that table! I'd consider cannibalizing the base of your table, adding a stretcher between the legs, and making a new top out of some basic 2x6 or 2x8 boards, then finish it all with a soft chalk paint finish, add a coat of poly, and call it done. It wouldn't be a twin to the RH table, but it'd have that same feel for a fraction of the cost. Looking forward to seeing what you end up with.

The restoration Hardware outlet in Riverhead is great, well worth a trip. We just redid two bathrooms using hardware and lighting from there and there are tons of large furniture pieces there. You can all ahead too-they are very nice and helpful.

We recently splurged on a RH couch after being frustrated w/cheaper stores. It was worth it! Anything from the new RH just oozes sophistication and the quality will not disappoint. A house like yours deserves this stunning table!

I love to have people in our home around the table sharing a meal. It's who we are and building relationships is very important to us. Therefore, a table is an investment into that purpose and goal for us. If it were not, I would make my purchase accordingly.

P.S. I know this oak color is not what you're going for but the price is so much less than than RH, I thought it might be worth the cost to refinish it. It's a trestle style and can be 60", 78", or 96" long depending on if you include none, one, or both leaves, which are included. American Furniture Warehouse is a Colorado/Wyoming company but they do ship (another expense, I know, but I hope still less expensive than RH).http://www.afwonline.com/furniture/dining-room/formal-dining/dining-room-tables/oak-crest-trestle-table-d-gpfu961-tbl

I say go for it. The only thing that I have thought when I have seen their stuff lately is there is no finish. I would worry about staining it with oils or juice. Great table. I know what you mean about their prices. I had a wood floor put it knowing full well the Restoration Hardware rug was going to go on top. Then I went to order it and saw the price. We are rugless so far.

I do like the restoration hardware table but I think their stuff is way overpriced. It will probably be tough to find a table that seats 12 that you also like for cheap. I know. We've been looking on Craigslist with no luck.

Beautiful table! Restoration gives 20% off if you use an interior designer. Do you have any designer friends that could help? Also, they occasionally send out friends & family 20% coupons. Sign up and wait for the coupon. Final note, go to their PR people and tell them about your site. I discount should be in order for all this free advertising=;)

I really love the reclaimed wood look and have two Restoration Hardware Trumeau mirrors in my living room. I just wonder if the style and wood finish will keep your interest. Its a hefty price to pay for something if you don't plan on keeping it for years! Good luck!

My current table already has leaves installed and its too small. I dont think its structurally solid enough to add more anyway but based on the prices I got to add leaves to my last table, the cost is more than $1K. Custom work in NYC is very expensive!

The problem with custom here is that its always FAR more expensive than buying something mass produced. Maybe in other parts of the country where rent isn't so expensive its different but even simple things like shelves and the like cost a fortune here - custom furniture is astronomically expensive.

Do you happen to remember the price? Ive been to the RH outlets where Ive seen items discounted 30% for a damaged item but when I factor in the cost of delivery, it's not a great deal (considering I can use a 20% coupon for a new one) But maybe they have reduced them even further?

i say keep the thrift table, it looks great! i like it much better than the old one. the way the chairs are so close together and the shaping of the table gives off a cozy and comfortable vibe. with the 2 cream coloured chairs against the old wood colour is very pretty. where are the chairs from?

I purchased a brownstone in brooklyn 2 years ago. i am a thrift-er as well and i too wanted a large table. i looked everywhere but i had my heart on a table from "environmental furniture" store in nyc. the price tag was ouch, but every time i looked at other tables, my mind went back to the EF table. I finally went ahead and purchased it.... the best purchase i've made so far for my new home.

you're mind will be at ease about your purchase because of the fact you've been dreaming about it forever. i promise you, you won't regret it. i sure don't (by the way, i STILL don't have chairs for my table, but that's okay... i got the table.

haha! I got the marison dining table from environment furniture. let me tell ya, i know the fight you are having within yourself about spending so much, but i know if i had bought another table, i would not have been fully happy and would still be thinking about this table. Go for it and get the one you want.

Here is the link: http://www.environmentfurniture.com/collection/room/dining-room/marison-dining-table

The quality of the few items I've purchased from RH recently have not lived up to their hefty price tag, so, for myself, I'm steering clear of the place.

Have you thought about going to estate sales and auctions? This time of year, there are a lot, especially upstate and in Connecticut. You could get a great deal on something beautiful and high quality. From what I understand, the big pieces don't move as quickly.

BTW, I've lurked on your website for a while now. Love your design and color sense and your creativity!

Perhaps but that is an expensive fix here. We priced it out and it was 1500 for a simple leaf. Not worth it IMO. Plus I don't know if this table is strong enough for a larger top - its not a high quality piece.

check this one out. Its in Canada, but cheaper in price. I have that one at home. It can fit up to 12 snug together and 6 super comfortable. Montreal is not too far from NY, so I am sure you could ship it to your place fairly easy. Even with the exchange CAN dollar vs. US dollar, you would benefit...

This table is our center piece in our loft. Even with people that have never been over and look at pictures of my dinner party, they never comment on the people in the pictures, but only comment on the table.

Here it is our beautiful table with a price tag of $1599 http://www.maisoncorbeil.com/index.php/en/room/dining_room/ensembles/souche_collection_table

Just do it. You've had your eye on it...you'll probably have that RH table the rest of your life..it's expensive but it's not like 20 grand right? this is the inner dialog i have about things like this too.

Start rummaging through the antique and thrift shops on the North Fork of LI - fantastic finds there and a wonderful getaway. It's a quick 2 1/2 ride from Bklyn on the LIE. Let me know if you need some info. I have a little cottage in Greenport and this is how I've furnished my place.

What about having an alternative top that comes apart for storage, but can be pieced together for those large dinners? It would rest on the current top and would need to be covered with a table cloth, but would solve your size dilemma for those, what, 3 x a year large dinner parties? I too need to have a large table at times, and my table can seat up to12, but I always take out leaves in order to use it for smaller dinners - which is more often than the big ones.If you created a top that somehow "clamped" to the original so as not to tip on one end or the other, and then used beautiful linens you would be covered - no pun intended. You can curve the edges to make it appear "real" beneath the cloth.I would also have it created in "pieces" that connected togther somehow so storage would mean disassembling and stacking - could easily fit beneath a bed or in a closet perhaps?Talk to one of the craftmen you used for reno - or use your own savy skills. It's worth a try to purchase or reclaim some lumber and see if it works.Much cheaper than purchasing a new table!

Is there any chance at all that a carpenter could make you an insert leaf for the table you already have? Otherwise, I fear its the new table route! Our own table seats 8 comfortably, and I have a small foldup the same height for bigger occasions. I have to say, that with a white bedsheet thrown over it, no one knows if they are on the extension or not, but the shape of your existing table precludes that. Good luck!

HI Stephanie - I love your blog I have been reading it for over a year now (since I started my own blog http://designingjewels.blogspot.com/ ) I am a New Yorker too! I have a great suggestion for you on the table - friends of mine run this shop called Recycled Brooklyn (how perfect for you!) they create amazing custom pieces out of wood/materials they find or get salvaged. They have been outfitting entire restaurants in NYC lately. they can make you a table fit to your specs that will be super sturdy and beautiful - also one of a kind! They are really busy these days so it does take a while to get a response but if you are interested I could talk to them and "try" to push you up the list ;) Below is their etsy store - if you click on some of the recent sales you can see some of the stuff they have built. And the prices are SUPER reasonable! http://www.etsy.com/shop/RecycledBrooklynHope that helps!

It sounds like from your replies that you really have already made up your mind. Nothing else is going to measure up.

But, I got an email today from Ballard and saw this similar table. It says it seats 10 comfortably with the leaf, which would lead me to believe that you could get 12 if you squeeze one more in on each side. I apologize if someone else posted this already. I didn't have the time to read through all the comments.

I don't know if you are up for a road trip, but I just got back from a place called Greenfront in Farmville, VA and they have TONS of furniture, including many tables that look like the RH table for FAR less. You can take a road trip, get a cheaper table, AND maybe pick up something else you like all for the cost of ONE RH table!

This is an awesome place for all kinds of furniture and my guess is if you are willing to take a trip you will the table you are looking for! They have so much inventory I don't think they have everything on their website, but worth calling them maybe to see if they have something similar to what you are looking for? http://www.greenfront.com/Hope that helps! Nicole

Haven't read through the entire thread...however, being a DIY'er have you ever considered repurposing a fantastic wooden door or doors into a customized table? While, I have never tried it myself, I have seen this done beautifully. This can be a wonderful and economic way to create not only the space you seek but, also great conversation piece. Just an additional option, had you not considered it. Best of luck and love what you have managed to do creating your space.

I saved and saved for this table and love it! It's one of those treasured pieces that can't help but be noticed. I paired this large Troy Morgan chandelier over it and it looks fabulous. http://www.troy-lighting.com/contents/viewItem.asp?idProduct=1109 I say go for it!

Don't know if you've taken the plunge, but Basset furniture has a line of semi-custom pieces that are in a slightly lower price range-and good solid USA manufactured wood to boot. We got a counter height table with 2 leaves (will seat12-14) for 1200.

You could try custommade.com and see if any makers bite. You can post a project with photos, budget, requirements, and then builders can bid on it. A friend of mine works for the company and the concept is pretty cool!

Did you decide on the table?Strangely enough I too was looking at dining tables recently including RH, however couldn't find one that was compact without the leaves, our present is 5ft long. RH have some nice styles but many were not able to store the leaves in their tables which I thought was poor design. So I have decided to delay buying a dining table for now.